After news leaked earlier this week that Axeon Hagens Berman and Holowesko-Citadel would not be invited to the 2017 Amgen Tour of California, AEG announced today the full line-up of teams.
America’s most prestigious cycling event joins the UCI WorldTour this year with 11 WorldTour teams, including California-based BMC Racing Team. Three Pro Continental and two Continental teams round out the event.
UCI WorldTour Teams:
- Astana Pro Team (KAZ)
- BMC Racing Team (USA)
- BORA-hansgrohe (GER)
- Cannondale-Drapac Pro Cycling Team (USA)
- Quick-Step Floors (BEL)
- Team Dimension Data (RSA)
- Team Sunweb (GER)
- Team KATUSHA ALPECIN (SUI)
- Team LottoNL-Jumbo (NED)
- Team Sky (GBR)
- Trek-Segafredo (USA)
UCI Professional Continental Teams:
- Cofidis, Solutions Crédits (FRA)
- Team Novo Nordisk (USA)
- UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)
UCI Continental Teams:
- Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis (USA)
- Rally Cycling (USA)
Amgen Tour of California veteran Mark Cavendish will return with Team Dimension Data. Cavendish turned in his tenth Amgen Tour of California career stage win last year before going on to win his first Olympic medal (silver in Omnium) and the opening stage plus three others in the 2016 Tour de France.
“I’ve been racing in the Amgen Tour of California for years now, and it’s an event I look forward to. Not only are their courses challenging, they are incredibly scenic and attract one of the best groups of fans we see every year. From a team and riders’ perspective, it’s one of the best organized events anywhere and an event that always takes great care of the riders,” said Cavendish. “It’s become an important part of my preparation for the Tour de France because the race attracts the best, and the competition is intense. It’s always a battle but I am hoping to add some more California victories this year.”
Cavendish will face off with Katusha-Alpecin’s sprinter Alexander Kristoff, all-time Tour of California stage win record holder Peter Sagan, Trek-Segafredo’s John Degenkolb and Cofidis’ Nacer Bouhanni.
“Racing in California is a challenge and a joy every time. I hope to continue building on the success I’ve had at the Amgen Tour of California, and know all the riders will do our best to give the incredible fans another good show this year,” said Sagan, who holds the record for the most Amgen Tour of California stage wins (15).
Last year, Julian Alaphilippe became the youngest rider in race history to claim overall victory. This year could hold more of the same… Following his breakthrough 2016 season, 23-year-old Columbian rider Miguel Ángel López will make his California debut with Astana.
